Christmas 2009

What a glorious Christmas morning! I can't even believe that we had snow on the ground this morning in Frisco. God blessed us with 2 wonderful gifts this year:) The kids had a fabulous time opening gifts, playing & singing like rock stars. The family got the Beatles Rock Band and Evan, Haley and Jed spent the morning rocking out to Beatles tunes. It was a hoot. Evan was going to town at the microphone (that wasn't even turned on). Haley got the mic from Aunt Karen and Evan immediately stole it and sang into it the rest of the morning. Good thing big sister is a great sharer!

Santa delivered a ballet bar and dancing Barbie as well as a spaceship tent and airport. The kids played and played and played all morning long. It was such a joy to watch them this morning and I can't imagine Christmas day being any more wonderful (except with our entire families closer by). Ms. Fran was wonderful and we were blessed to have her join us this year. G Daddy made a drive by appearance before heading to Houston to meet baby Finley.

We are so thankful for another amazing year of good health, wonderful friends and family! We praise God for all His abundant blessings especially the gift of His Son this Christmas. Much love to you all.

Trip With The Girls

Yesterday we took a trip to the winter wonderland at the Gaylord Hotel. It was so fun. We saw tons of trains, snow and candy covered gingerbread! What a joy to celebrate the season with good friends:)

Santa at the Neighbor's

Our neighbors invited us to a Christmas party for the "big kids" at their house yesterday and it was precious. The girls all had aprons to decorate, ornaments to color and cookies to ice. The big surprise was Santa's visit from the North Pole. The kids were SO EXCITED. They each took a turn talking to Santa and taking pictures. It was precious:)

Haley got brave as the party continued and finally went up and asked where the reindeer and sleigh were parked. He replied that they couldn't bring him because they were getting ready for Christmas eve...busy loading the sleigh. So, she asked if he had to fly here on a plane from the North Pole. He said that he did, then he had to rent a minivan to drive from the airport.

As we were leaving Haley said, "I wonder which minivan is Santa's". Santa, the minivan is certainly not as glamorous as a flying sleigh...but I guess it works for today.

Tell me when you hear Him

After prayers tonight, Haley started asking a bunch of questions about God.

"How did He make our bones?"
"How did He make the sun?"

I can't hear Him when He talks...watch Mom, "God do you hear me". "I didn't hear anything."

Don't we feel that way so often. I am talking God, don't you hear me. Don't you feel my pain. If you can make the sun and moon and me, why can't you fix this?

Thankfully, He does call out to us: through His Word, through friends, through a voice...as I told Haley I do hear Him sometimes like a whisper inside me. It is Him guiding me, loving me, bringing me peace and joy.

She asked, "Will you come tell me next time you hear Him so I can see what it feels like?" Sweet Haley. I know you do hear His voice and He is guiding you and filling you each day with joy and love like no other little girl I know.

I love your sweet questions and hope you never stop asking for the rest of your life.

Santa Visit

Evan has never been interested in Santa at all. He is always a little scared. Even as we approached him at the mall, Evan was still certain it wasn't for him. Then, after Haley hopped in his lap and he asked Evan what he would like for Christmas everything changed. We got two kids in the picture this year. I still can't believe it:)

Mommy, Is that you Singing?

Every night we say prayers and sing a song. Generally, Haley loves "Father I adore you". Simple and easy. Since it is advent we have been singing Christmas songs, which she loves. Tonight I took a stab at one of my favorites, "O Holy Night". At the end of the song Haley rolls over and says, "Mommy, is that you singing....it was really beautiful". Wow, my other songs must be really bad because this rendition was certainly nothing to write home about:)

Thanks Haley for appreciating and affirming me tonight. I may not be a great singer, but I hope and pray that all the songs we sing about God's love sink in and are there in your heart one day when you really need them.

Here are some picture from dance class...look at that form:)